[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK, IL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DEBORAH L. HALVORSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Village 
of Tinley Park in Illinois, which was recently named ``America's Best 
Place to Raise Your Kids'' by Business Week Magazine. The village was 
recognized primarily for its top-rated schools, low crime, beautiful 
parks, affordable housing, and easy access to jobs.
  Founded in 1892, Tinley Park rests just a Metra ride from the city of 
Chicago, and a short drive from Illinois' vast farmlands. Established 
on the Rock Island Railroad, Tinley Park grew over the years through 
both agricultural industries, including a grain elevator and a 
windmill, and manufacturing plants, including a soft-drink bottling 
plant. The population grew slowly prior to World War II; however, it 
grew rapidly after the war, doubling every decade from 1950 to 1980.
  In recent years Tinley Park has grown in recognition, with all three 
main high schools ranking among the top 100 in the state. Students of 
Andrew High School help at neighborhood shelters, libraries, and 
nursing homes through a requirement they complete 24 hours of community 
service. This requirement keeps the students closely tied to their 
community and, as a result, only three percent of the student body of 
2,400 move away during high school, compared with the state average of 
14 percent. Tinley Park is also home to many exceptional citizens, 
including Olympic swimmer Christine Magnuson and former Major League 
Baseball player Kevin Sefcik.

                          ____________________